Mead is by no means new to the craft beverage scene; in fact, it's been around for thousands of years (also known as honey wine). Craft beers, wines and other fermented drinks like kombucha have taken over the beverage scene in Oregon (along with coffee), so it comes as no surprise that in recent years mead, too, has gained back its popularity and demand. So much so that the American Mead Makers Association averaged a new meadery opening in the United States every three days last year. For those who are new to this trend, check out these meaderies.

If you had tried mead in the past, you may have been turned off by the sweetness or the syrup-like taste, but mead has come a long way over the years. See for yourself and visit the family-owned Oregon Mead & Cider Co. (2117 N.E. Oregon St., Suite 202, Portland; 844-387-8864; oregonmeadandcider.com). They have mastered their award-winning dry, sparkling meads and ciders. Their secret? Using premium Northwest ingredients whether it be the honey or the additives (fruit, herbs, etc.). Plus, their process is pure - unfiltered, dry and always without sulfites. Meads and ciders are available at their tasting room as well as for sale by the bottle or growler and in local grocery stores. Open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

There's no better person to teach you "The Art of Mead Tasting and Food Pairing" than the author herself, Chrissie Manion Zaerpoor. Along with being a meadmaker, Chrissie is also part owner and farmer alongside husband, Koorosh Zaerpoor, at their family farm, Kookoolan Farms (15713 Oregon 47, Yamhill; 503-730-7535; kookoolanfarms.com). They produce more than just award-winning mead: also kombucha, pinot noir from their own vineyard, grass-fed beef, lamb and pasture-raised organic chicken and eggs. Although the farm is not certified organic, they've always run it as an organic farm and use sustainable practices. Call and schedule a tasting or plan an extended trip at their recently added Airbnb. Just watch out for the bees!

Next stop, and one not to miss, is another family-owned meadery. Nectar Creek (500 Main St., Philomath; 541-929-2923; nectarcreek.com) was started by brothers, Phillip and Nick Lorenz, in a small spot in Corvallis that they quickly outgrew. As of this year, they have opened a bigger and better space in Philomath, which also serves great quality food. Their line of award-winning session meads (carbonated with less than 10 percent alcohol) follows the common trend above: locally-sourced, quality honey and ingredients creating light and refreshing meads. Along with tasty sandwiches, soups, salads and charcuterie boards, you'll find the taproom offers local and regional beers, ciders, wines and taproom exclusives. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, extended to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.